Wide Open. And Epic Guaranteed.

 


Seize the Season.

Venture into the famed powder triangle for a ski trip worth remembering in 2024. We have plenty of wide-open space to ski - and this season, space open on our cats.


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Escape the ordinary, escape the crowds.

Break out of the “new normal”, because there’s nothing normal about carving fresh tracks in the Selkirk wilderness. The famed powder triangle of British Columbia draws powder hunters from around the world every year, and it also happens to be where we’re based. There’s nowhere better than this for bucket-list ski days. That’s (one of the reasons) we’re usually fully booked way ahead of the season; many of our repeat guests travel internationally to ski with us.

So, discover a guided backcountry adventure with us! Book today to guarantee your dates.


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Keep it personal.

With us, it’s always small groups guaranteed.

At Great Northern, you’ll always find a limited number of ski guests on each trip, and a home-away-from-home feel. We’re a small, family-run operation and we know that especially during these times, boutique is better.


Make it exclusive.

Fully Private Snowcat & Lodge Packages for your ski cohort.

For the 2023 season, we’re offering a number of exclusive use packages – that’s private use of the snowcat, lodge, and our guiding team for the entirety of your visit. Gather your close friends, or extended family members and let loose with a ski trip that’s all yours. Call us today and explore how we can custom-build your perfect trip.

From your doorstep to ours.

Self-drive to Canada’s deepest powder.

Cut out any commercial travel from your ski trip, by self-driving direct to the lodge doorstep – leaving you to rely on only your own vehicle (it’s also another way to escape the crowds).


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For more information or to book your trip, call the office toll-free U.S.A. / Canada:

1-800-889-0765

 

 

 

45 years of the best of all seasons

 

Great Northern Snowcat Skiing is the world’s longest running owner-operated cat skiing outfit. We opened our doors in 1979. In 2019 we added Great Northern Heli-fishing to provide unforgettable Selkirk Mountain wilderness experiences year round.

 

We Take Safety Seriously

Safe ski holidays at Great Northern start with safety training. Before you set foot in the snowcat, we’ll teach you how to avoid the hazards you’ll encounter on the slopes, like trees and tree wells. We’ll also provide you with, and train you how to use, an avalanche transceiver and rescue gear. When you’re on the mountain, our guides will continually monitor the snow conditions, choose safe runs and give you a hand whenever you need it.

Here are some of the ways we keep you safe:

  • Lead guides are Professional Members of the Canadian Avalanche Association
  • Guides are trained in avalanche operations, ski guiding, risk management, first aid and mountain rescue, and carry extensive rescue gear
  • Annual in-house staff safety and guide training program
  • Groups always accompanied by two guides
  • Guides don't work shifts — they are on the mountain every skiing day – no guest appearances
  • Snowcat carries emergency medical equipment, rescue equipment and spare ski equipment
  • Radio communication between guides, snowcat driver, mountain base lodge
  • Guests equipped with avalanche rescue transceiver; backpacks, probes & shovels, trained in transceiver search techniques
  • Guest safety briefing on cat skiing procedures, avalanche safety, snowcats, lodge/fire safety
  • A comprehensive snow and avalanche information management system for collecting observations, evaluating snowpack stability and evaluating terrain safety and selection
  • Safety program is monitored and adjusted continually, according to changes in conditions and avalanche risk

We take the safety of our guests and staff seriously. Although we continuously strive to minimize the challenges inherent to backcountry cat skiing, there are many risks associated with wilderness skiing. Guests are asked to sign the release form, “Assumption of Risk and Waiver” prior to their trip, which acknowledges that they are aware of these risks, dangers and hazards.

Great Northern is a long-time member of the Canadian Avalanche Association. The members of this association strive to achieve the highest degree of professionalism and safety that is required in the helicopter and snowcat industry. For more information, please visit www.avalancheassociation.ca.

Helicat Canada provides Great Northern with the best practices in the areas of sustainability and safety. For more information please visit https://www.helicat.org/